Audio By Carbonatix
Above is the first look at Jared Loughner after he was taken into custody for allegedly shooting 20 people in Tucson on Saturday, killing six. The photo was taken by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office’s forensic unit. It’s not his booking photo, PCSO officials say.
Loughner made his initial appearance in federal court earlier this afternoon. He smiled during his appearance before a judge in a packed Phoenix courtroom.
Below is ABC News’ account of Loughner’s court appearance:
Federal officials released Loughner’s mug shot, showing him smiling into the camera despite hints of a black eye.
“Yes, I am Jared Lee Loughner,” said Loughner, with a freshly shaved head, when the Judge Lawrence Anderson asked him to confirm his identity.
Holding up a financial affidavit, Anderson asked Loughner, “I can’t read your signature. I know how hard it is to sign with handcuffs on. Did you sign this?”When news happens, Phoenix New Times is there —
Your support strengthens our coverage.We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
Loughner, with a scar on the side of his head, leaned forward to look at the paper and responded, “Yes I signed it. Mrs. Clarke did help me out.” Judy Clarke is his court-appointed public defender.
Keep checking Valley Fever for other stories on the massacre in Tucson and its aftermath.
Further Reading:
The Face of Crazy: Jared Loughner Eerily Smirks in Photo Taken After Shooting Rampage
Gabrielle Giffords Shooting Wasn’t First Arizona Rampage